All,

I purchased an amazing gun from the UK and had it shipped to me, here in the USA. Figured I'd update everyone on how easy the process was, given a few key items available for the folks at Customs.

First, shipper (AG&L in this case) emailed me airline, flight numbers, and air bill number for the guns journey to America.

Second, knowing the airline and when the gun was scheduled to arrive at my airport, I called the airlines cargo division and confirmed the arrival.

Third, I went to the cargo division (on the grounds of my local airport) and picked up paperwork (bill of sale and air bill) that Customs would need to stamp in order for the gun to be released to me.

Fourth, I drove around the corner to the Customs & Border Protection office (also on airport grounds).

Fifth, I presented paperwork and a copy of their own website's FAQ on importing antique firearms (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/210/~/requirements-for-importing-new-or-antique-firearms%2Fammunition). It was VERY important that the bill of sale stated the date of manufacture. As you can see from Customs' own website; "CBP will accept a certificate of authenticity or bill of sale with the year the firearm was manufactured as proof of age." Two guys mulled it over for five minutes. One couldn't believe I could just walk out of there with a gun, without a federal firearms license, but the other guy kept pointing to the date of my gun (1873) and the date identified on their own documentation (1898) and I was out of there with stamped documents a minute later.

Sixth, back to cargo office with my papers and $35 (cash/check/charge) for God-knows-what, and I was on the way home with a new-to-me gun!

Seventh, do the happy dance after unwrapping and confirming the perfect nature of the gun.

The key to this whole process was having the invoice with my guns date of manufacture on it, and presenting the Customs guys with their own rules and regulations.
Without the date on the invoice, I may have been able to prove the age with just the serial number (also on the invoice) and a copy of Nigel Browns British Gunmakers Vol. 1, but who knows if that would have been enough. Without the copy of the FAQ from the CBP website, Im sure I wouldnt have left with that gun today, further levels of bureaucracy and management review would have been required.

I love it when a plan comes together.